My grandparents lived in Mindanao before moving to Cebu .  They have a house in Lanao del Norte.  Before, we used to visit our house and farm there.  But now, it has gotten a bit dangerous.  I still remember our boat ride from Cebu going to Cagayan and then our bus ride going to Maranding.  And I still remeber  delicacies we enjoyed in MIndanao.

                    

Davao’s Durian     Camiguin’s Pastel             Iligan’s Peanuts

 I went to Davao for a conference way back in high school.  And in Davao one can buy durian in any form, shape or size. I love those thick durian candy bars.  Next on my list is the Pastel buns from Camiguin.  The bread is soft with the sweet and chewy yema (milk and butter) filling inside.  Yema Yummy! And when talking about greaseless peanuts, Cheding’s peanuts from Iligan takes the number one spot for me. My Dad loves these peanuts.

 

 

                                        

Jamon de Cagayan            General Santos’ Tuna   Zamboanga’s Spanish Sardines

Mindanao is well-known for its fresh fruits, fish and good quality meat.  There are big pineapple plantations in Cagayan with products are exported worldwide.  Aside from pineapple, Cagayan is also known for its Jamon de Cagayan. 

General Santos City is the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.  I remember my Tito (we call any older family friend as tito (men) and tita (women))  bringing tuna from GenSan.  We grilled it.  And it was BY FAR, the best, freshest tuna I have ever tasted.  There are three ways of preparing it SUTUKIL.  SUgba (grill)  TUla (broth) or KILaw (cooked in vinegar). Zamboanga’s Spanish sardines are also very good.  I like the Montano’s brand.  And one can  have the sardines in different flavors (sweet and spicy) and  different marinade (corn oil, tomato sauce, to name a few). 

There you go -  different specialties from different regions.   There are others that I haven’t included because I do not know what place it originated form or what place considers it its speciality.  This list includes puto, bibingka, suman, sapinsapin, cuchinta and other kakanin.

Compared to other countries, the Philippines might be small.  But we have one of the most plentiful, varied, unique and delicious delicacies in the world.

What can I say.. we love food!

Photos researched from the Internet.